Ripped Edges

The key to pulling off this effect is to use real paper for the ripped edge. Find a piece of poster board or cardstock and rip the edge.

Make sure the paper is a different color than your scanner's lid.

Stepl. Scan the ripped paper.

Step 2. Make the layer float, then delete away the white.

Step 3. Open the photo that needs a "ripped" edge. Make sure the photo layer is floating. If it's called Background, double-click and rename the layer.

Step 4. Copy and paste the ripped layer into the photo's composition. Position the rip so the edge lines up in the desired area in the photo. Use Free Transform to modify the ripped layer. If there is an empty space, make a selection with the rectangular marquee; then Free Transform it to fill in the gap.

Step 6. To add a little more depth, place a copy of the ripped paper on top. Change its blending mode and add a beveled edge. Then click on the layer effect and tell it to create layers. Isolate the carved edge, and throw away the other highlights effect layer.